Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is commonly regarded as the greatest illuminated manuscript of any era due to its highly ornate and beautiful illustrations, focusing on the artwork vs. the text. The text is of the first 3½ books of the New Testament, the book of John only partially complete. The artwork is so intricate, many believe the book was made as a showcase vs. with the intention of using it to read.

The Book Kells is of both Irish and Scottish origin. Although created by the monks of St. Columba's order of Iona, Scotland, c. 800 AD, St. Columba himself was born in Ireland (modern-day County Donegal) in 521. An Irish abbot and missionary, he moved to Scotland at ~42 years of age and founded the abbey on the Ilse of Iona, a small island in Scotland. St Columba was credited with being instrumental in Christianizing the pagan Picts of Scotland. Fast forward ~250 years and the Book of Kells was created by the monks of his order in Scotland; but the style is of Irish origin.

The first Viking raid of the monastery in Iona occurred in 795, again in 802, 806, and finally in 825 when it was burned. In 878, all of the remaining relics were brought back to Kells although the monastery continued in service. It is thought the Book of Kells was transported from Iona to Kells in 806 after the Vikings massacred 68 monks, but the date is unknown. The common theory is the book was started in Scotland and finished at Kells, where it remained for the next 800 years until Oliver Cromwell invaded the abbey. It was moved to Dublin for safekeeping. In 1661, bishop Henry Jones donated the book to Trinity College in Dublin.

The book is 13x10 inches and made of vellum. The monks created the book from start to finish: raising the animals whose skin would be used, processing the skin into vellum, cutting to size, writing, drawing, and binding. Originally the cover was covered with gold and jewels but thieves stole the book in 1007 and tore off the binding. Trinity College rebound the manuscript. Today, the Book of Kells is on display for the public in the great library, under low light and glass to protect this national treasure of two nations.